Breastfeeding, tongue tie and silent reflux

[nsalfarlie]

Hi,

I've seen so many mothers on my breastfeeding training course who struggled to BF. They are wonderful mothers, as far as I can see.
Also, there are a lot of struggling mothers in your community at this very moment. But because they don't go to baby groups, cafes etc you don't know about them.
I am not sure if it helps. Please try to be easy on yourself. The first few months are always tough. I am very impressed that you are still pressing on with BF regardless of the difficulties. You must be a very determined person. I hope that you get the help you need.
I also volunteer for Bliss, a nationwide charity that supports the parents of premature babies. I have seen myself mothers who had to express milk and maintain the milk supply for 2-3 months before the baby was able to take breast. So this option might be considered if everything else fails. It is more difficult to maintain mother's milk supply this way and is far less enjoyable for the mother and more time consuming.
I have read your entire thread before posting my first reply and read everything since. I still have no clear picture of what is going on. You really need  help of a trained person who has the time to spend with you and discuss many options that are still available.

[*Ali*]

Could you maybe pop out for a walk straight after a feed and then you would be home before he needs to feed again? Even if it is just half and hour or an hour at least it would get you out of the house. Maybe start by staying close to home so that you can nip back if he wants more milk.
What about a feeding butterfly/cover? You could feed without anyone seeing your boob when he is bobbing off and on taking the pressure off you to keep yourself covered?
I hope someone IRL can help you soon. Lots of practice at hime with no pressure until then.

[Katielouise84]

I'm braving going out today! Taking a friend who knows about our feeding problems to a baby group this afternoon! Eeekkkk!! Feeling quite excited but little nervous at the same time.

Spoke to LO's osteopath and she said that 24-48hours after treatment is when the baby feels the change so may make any symptoms worse.

Last night feeding was perfect and the feed an hour ago was too, he was wide awake and fed for 25mins and then nodded off, he hasn't done that in ages, he's usually to distressed to even feed, hope the day stays like this!!

You ladies on this forum have been amazing, its lovely to chat to other mums especially for a dive when things are so hard. Ive got my fingers crossed for today!!

Im still ringing the breastfeeding helpline, think i could do with a bit of help with positions and getting comfy etc..

x

[*Ali*]

Nice to hear a positive update.

Have fun at the baby group. And remember they are all parents there so have been through similar things wrt the fussy baby I am sure. No one will be looking at you thinking anything bad. Who knows if yiu hapoen to get talking ti anyone they may have had similar struggles. Glad you have your friend for support.

[Erin M]

Yay, so glad you're getting out!  Exactly what Ali said -- moms with babies know that babies are fussy and they don't judge. 
Awesome that you had a better feed as well, but definitely keep up with your IRL help. 

[Fiver]

Oh, that's great news.  If you don't get any joy with the BfN, definitely try one of the other organisations (ABM, LLL, etc...)  There will be someone who can help you.

[Katielouise84]

Could we be having a growth spurt.....??

He's not feeding well anyway, but he's only latching on for a minute and doing this many times an hour. Can't comment if he's cranky or anything as he's always crying, nothing seems to calm him. Offering the breast and he's still crying 

x

[Katielouise84]

He's feeding but only latching on for 1-2 minutes and crying soon don't know of its his tongue or that he's hungry. Should I try a bottle?  x

[Erin M]

There are many growth spurts in the first few months so when in doubt, I usually say that it is.  There is one around 3 weeks.  You can try a bottle -- or something like a syringe if you're concerned about him getting enough to eat. 

[Katielouise84]

He's 11 weeks think he's due one at 12 weeks.

[Fiver]

Yes, one due around 12w/3m, so it could definitely be that come early maybe combined with tiredness etc.

[Erin M]

He's 11 weeks think he's due one at 12 weeks.

I'm sorry, I meant 3 months, not 3 weeks (perils of responding on the phone...)